Israel-Hamas ceasefire live: Gaza truce ‘could come at any time’ as Netanyahu minister tries to kill deal
A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is “right on the brink” and could come at “any time”, US secretary of state Antony Blinken has said.
The deal is “closer than it’s ever been before”, Mr Blinken added in a speech to Washington-based think tank the Atlantic Council. “We await final word from Hamas on its acceptance and until we get that word, will remain on the brink,” Mr Blinken said.
His statement came as Israel’s national security minister made a last-ditch effort to quash the truce. Ben Gvir revealed yesterday he has repeatedly foiled a hostage and ceasefire deal with Hamas over the past year and urged finance minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him in halting the new agreement.
An Israeli official said the first stage of the deal would see 33 hostages set free, including children, women – including some female soldiers – men above 50, and the wounded and sick.
The first stage would last up to 60 days, with negotiations for the second stage beginning on the 16th day if all proceeds as planned. This stage would see the release of the remaining living hostages – male soldiers and younger civilian males – and the return of the bodies of dead hostages.
